The Water Education Foundation has selected MacKenzie Elmer, reporter for Voice of San Diego, as the recipient of its annual journalism award recognizing outstanding coverage of water resources in California and the West.

Elmer’s reporting on the Tijuana River sewage crisis, Colorado River management and Southern California water policy has helped audiences understand some of the region’s most complex and significant water challenges.

“Her reporting brings clarity, accountability and context to topics that are often difficult to explain yet critical to the public interest,” said Jenn Bowles, executive director of the Water Education Foundation.

Elmer has covered water issues in San Diego County, including water rates, desalination and the financial challenges facing water suppliers.

Importantly, Bowles said, her coverage of the Tijuana River sewage crisis has helped audiences better understand one of the region’s most persistent environmental and public health challenges. By reporting on the flow of untreated wastewater and pollution from Mexico into Southern California waterways and beaches, she has brought clarity to the complex infrastructure, policy and cross-border issues at the heart of the crisis.

“Reporting on water requires understanding a complicated web of science, policy, infrastructure and people. The Water Education Foundation’s resources have helped me build that understanding and provided valuable context for my reporting,” Elmer said. “I’m honored to receive this award and to be recognized by an organization that is so committed to advancing water education and informed journalism.”

Elmer joins a distinguished group of previous recipients, including Alex Hager of KJZZ, Lois Henry of SJV Water, Kurtis Alexander of the San Francisco Chronicle and Rachel Becker of CalMatters. You can often find their work on the Foundation’s water newsfeed every weekday. You can sign up here for that free resource to stay up to date on important water issues across the West.

Established in 2022, the Foundation’s annual journalism award was endowed by its former executive director, Rita Schmidt Sudman, to encourage and support excellence in reporting on water resources throughout California and the West. The award reflects the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to advancing public understanding of water through independent, impartial journalism and education.

“MacKenzie’s reporting exemplifies the kind of thoughtful, impactful journalism this award was created to recognize,” Sudman said. “Her ability to explain complex water issues while highlighting the people and communities affected by them helps readers better understand the challenges shaping California and the West.”

Bowles and Sudman announced the award last Thursday (Oct. 29) as part of the Foundation’s annual Water Summit. In addition to the award, Elmer receives $1,000 and access to Water Education Foundation resources that support continued excellence in water reporting.